By Sam Stone

12th Mar, 2023 | 3:50pm

Rangers official partner shares Union Bears update as fresh Ibrox image emerges

The Heart & Hand Podcast has shared an image confirming the Union Bears’ absence from Ibrox for Rangers’ Scottish Cup clash with Raith Rovers.

Michael Beale’s side are looking to book their place in the semi-finals, with Celtic already in the last four after their 3-0 win over Hearts.

However, the Light Blues’ famous supporter group were not present for the visit of the Championship side. It’s understood, the Union Bears are protesting after banners were removed.

“Union Bears have not come in today in protest about the removal of banners,” wrote the Heart and Hand (via Twitter, 12 March).

Petty

The decision from the club to remove the banners does seem a little bit petty. The Union Bears are well-known and, whether you like them or not, do improve the atmosphere at times. For the sake of one or two banners, this whole scenario could have been avoided.

They didn’t need to miss the quarter-final and the banners should have just stayed up – it’s as simple as that. This decision is just the latest incident which is going to alienate the fan base further.

After the cup final defeat to Celtic, the disconnect between the board and the Ibrox faithful was clear. There was a realisation that there was, in fact, a significant gap to their Old Firm rivals.

Trying to build bridges should’ve been at the forefront of the board’s thinking, not causing further sections of Ibrox to feel more disheartened with the current ongoings at the club.

A resolution to this quiet needless scenario needs to be found.

In other Rangers news, a pundit with insider information at Ibrox has shared one condition that will make Douglas Park leave the club.